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Initially I got the USB verison, it's firmware didn't handle multikey buffers very well - I contacted their support, they said the PS2 version would do what I needed.
Recieved the replacement today, installed, works FLAWLESSLY. Can't wait to set it up. Cost is about $120, got mine from www.geminicomputersinc.com. Nice thing about it is since it's a point of sale unit, this thing is a TANK.
I'll get a picture once I get all the inserts done...
http://www.fentek-ind.com/kblk1800.jpg
Woot!
/me paintently waits for display explaining setup :D
Looking slick! Interested to know more about it.
I coulda (think I did) tell you that the USB one would have problems.
That wouldnt happen to have 24 F keys would it?
OK I did this all last night, not a lot of effort, I've saved the template if anyone else gets one, I'm going to be working on more inserts over the next few days
Few notable things about this keyboard.
A: It feels like it's from 1985. It's bulky. You could hit it with a 5 lb sledge and it might break the sledge.
B: It's 100% hardware. There's no resident software you need to run. You run the app, design the layout, and then it writes it all to an EPROM on the keyboard.
C: (I've thought very hard as to how to post this one) There is the possibility for abuse. You can program keys to write both strings of text AND scancode in a manner that shows 2 keypresses at once.
D: For you number crunchers out there, after setting up the keys that were missing (Escape, F1-F12, Print Screen, Scroll Lock, and Pause Break) - you have 28 spare keys available for programming.
Here's my current layout.
Lotta possibilities here.
http://www.ocmojo.com/zzyzxx/lk1800.jpg
How is that different from X-keys PS/2 that can hit 2 keys at the same time, for say, moving diagonally?
None, just saying it's available.
Honestly I haven't really added anything else, I probably will this weekend.
I've been using this keyboard for about a month now. I spend WAAAAYYYY too much time on this keyboard when I'm not working, I am a very high maintenance user. To date I can't see any wear and tear on it at all, and have had at least one instance of vodka+coke spilling into it with no adverse effects.
The function keys and the 3 keys above the numberpad needed to be programmed, which took all of 15 minutes. The programming utility does NOT need to be running for the programmed keys to operate. Once you've flashed the keyboard, it just works. You can unplug it and move it from 1 PC to another.
I CAN say that for those unscrupulous types, this keyboard is capable of doing things that are 100% TOTALLY AGAINST THE TOS. I won't go into details. I don't use those functions. I think I went into a little too much detail in previous posts about this.
I've verified the programming software works in XP, vista x86 and vista x64. As far as the feel of the device, it feels "old" - keypresses are a little heavy, but you get used to it. As long as you don't mind the card reader (getting a ps2 version of this keyboard without the card reader is damn near impossible) I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this.
Something that I dont' think has been touched on is that NOT just the extra keys with caps are programmable. EVERY KEY is 100% hardware programmable. It's like a 132 key X keys unit.
Some other statistics from the manufacturers website.
132 key, programmable alphanumeric keyboard
Optional integrated credit card reader
All 132 keys are programmable; 44 keys are relegendable with transparent key caps
Multiple layers of key definitions and multiple shift levels
Keylock switch for layer selection ---- NOTE: I haven't screwed around with this - it's likely the possibilities for a complete second layer of commands are available here.
Programmed with a powerful Windows-based programming utility software
Create program layout for multiple keyboards - programming utility saves templates as data files NOTE: We get a few of us using this we can swap config files!!!
Program up to 1800 characters or codes per key NOTE: 2 modes - Scancode and ASCII - Scancode is in real time, you can do multiple keypress assignments to 1 key - ASCII is a string dump.
Programmable inter-character and inter-string time delays NOTE: I really wish this option wasn't here.
Patented wedge port technology to daisy chain barcode scanner and/or other external keyboard devices
Full travel, tactile key switches
Programmable without special programming switches, programming kits, TSR programs or the need for internal batteries
PS2 or USB interface NOTE: do NOT get the USB version. It can't register scancodes correctly for what we're trying to accomplish. I don't know if it'll work with a PS2/USB adapter.
Includes cable and Windows programming utility